One goalie's gotta go

Superstitious to a fault, National Hockey League goaltenders are always talking to their pads, goal posts, or other inanimate objects.

Called upon to stop pieces of vulcanized rubber traveling in excess of 90 miles per hour with their chests, legs or other indispensable limbs, they're often twitchy.

Never the life of any party, netminders are usually silent, reserved and contemplative. Repetition and mental preparation are key components of their daily routine. While other players view confidence as a prerequisite for success, goaltenders know it's a necessity for survival.

Jumping out to their hottest start in franchise history, the San Jose Sharks are already exceeding their unusually high expectations this season. Coach Ron Wilson has decided to let goaltenders Vesa Toskala and Evgeni Nabokov split playing time, and both have rewarded him with stellar efforts through the first 10 games.

Nabokov has two shutouts through five games, while Toskala currently ranks among the league's top 10 in both goals against average and save percentage. Naturally, the rumor mill has begun churning out reports that San Jose general manager Doug Wilson is going to move one of them, which is exactly what he needs to do.

The early success shouldn't surprise anyone, since both goalies are fighting for the top spot on a team with Stanley Cup aspirations. Even the least nimble among us could make a kick save or two with that job up for grabs.

Several NHL clubs have attempted the two-goaltender system over the years, but both players usually end up faltering, unable to build momentum or get into a rhythm. The Carolina Hurricanes boasted two strong goalies last year until Cam Ward proved to be unflappable as a brick in bicycle spokes, carrying the club to a Stanley Cup victory and sending Martin Gerber packing.

Victims of their own system during last season's playoff run, the Sharks should have learned from past mistakes. During game 4 of the Western Conference semifinal against the Edmonton Oilers, Toskala was giving the hook after a second period collapse.

Imagine having a bad outing and looking over your shoulder to see a former Calder trophy winner with a $5 million salary. Predictably, Toskala's confidence withered and the Sharks lost in six games.

In a perfect world, Wilson would be able to wait until the trade deadline before pulling off a deal with the highest bidder. Unfortunately, the Anaheim Ducks and Buffalo Sabres also have strong netminding tandems, giving teams younger and cheaper trading alternatives.

Now would be a perfect time for the Sharks to strike on a deal. Philadelphia and Phoenix are already desperate for help between the pipes, while Boston, Columbus and St. Louis don't have a proven starter among them.

Perhaps Wilson's reluctance is understandable. Every Sharks fan remembers the last time he dealt a goalie, sending future Vezina trophy winner Miikka Kiprusoff to Calgary in 2003 in exchange for Marc-Edouard Vlasic. That trade would keep anybody up at night, with hot flashes and cold sweats to go along with it.

For now, the Sharks can enjoy having two netminders playing at the top of their game. However, goalies are unpredictable. Just like two light bulbs burning brightly, it could be a matter of time before one burns out and that trade value dies.